Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Local Legal Help After a Drunk Driving Crash

When a drunk driver causes a serious crash, the consequences for you and your family can last far longer than the criminal case. You may be facing painful injuries, time away from work, and bills that keep arriving while the impaired driver’s case moves through the system. In this moment, you need a drunk driving accident attorney who can focus on your recovery and your financial future while you focus on healing.

At Guerriero & Guerriero, we stand up for people hurt by drunk drivers here in Monroe. As a fourth-generation, family-owned personal injury firm with over 100 years of combined experience, we know how to pursue accountability in civil court and through insurance claims, separate from anything that happens in a criminal case. We treat the clients who come to us like family, and we work to guide them through one of the hardest times in their lives.

Make Them Pay, Not You. Call (318) 600-0000 or send us a message now to speak with our drunk driving accident attorney at Guerriero & Guerriero. We’ll take over the insurance fight and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Why Injured Victims Turn To Our Firm After Drunk Driving Crashes

After a drunk driving collision, many people start by asking friends or searching online for help. What they usually want is a lawyer they can trust, not just a name on a billboard. Clients choose Guerriero & Guerriero because of who we are and how we practice law, not only because of what we know about personal injury cases.

We are a fourth-generation, family-owned firm based right here in Monroe, Louisiana. Our attorneys have devoted their careers to representing injured people in this community, and our combined experience spans more than a century. That history matters. It means we have seen how drunk driving claims move through courts that serve this region, and we understand how insurers that handle claims here operate.

When we say we treat clients like family, we mean that we take the time to listen, to explain, and to stay in contact. We know you may be dealing with doctor visits, car repairs, and time away from work, so our goal is to make the legal side as clear as possible. At the same time, we are known for aggressive representation in personal injury cases. We work to build strong claims and to push for financial results that reflect the full impact of the drunk driving crash on your life.

Cost is a major concern for many injured people. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis in these cases, which means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Our fee is collected from any recovery we obtain for you, and we can explain this structure in detail when we talk.

How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Monroe Can Help You

Most people have never dealt with a serious injury claim before. It can be hard to know what a lawyer actually does or how a firm can help after a drunk driving crash. Our role is to take on the legal and insurance burdens so you are not left trying to manage everything on your own.

Investigating the Crash & Preserving Evidence

One of the first steps we usually take is to gather and review key evidence. This can include the crash report prepared by local law enforcement, any citations or charges related to driving under the influence, and information about blood alcohol testing. We look at photographs, video, and witness statements when they are available, and we work to understand what happened from every angle.

Navigating Criminal & Civil Proceedings

Drunk driving cases often involve both a criminal DWI or DUI proceeding and a separate civil claim for your injuries and losses. The criminal case focuses on punishment for the impaired driver and is controlled by prosecutors and the court. Your civil claim is where we work to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, property damage, and other harms. Evidence from the criminal case can be useful in your civil claim, and our attorneys understand how to use that information appropriately.

Managing Insurance Issues & Documenting Losses

Insurance issues can be complex when alcohol is involved. There may be bodily injury coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or other policies that apply. We communicate directly with the insurance companies, so you are not pressured into quick statements or low offers. Our team helps document your medical treatment, missed work, and long-term needs so that any settlement discussions are based on a full picture of your damages.

At each stage, we explain what is happening and what to expect. Some cases resolve through negotiated settlements, while others require filing a lawsuit in court. We prepare every case with care so that if litigation becomes necessary, you are not starting from scratch.

What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in the Monroe Area

In the hours and days after a crash, it can be difficult to think clearly. Taking certain steps, when you can do so safely, may protect both your health and your legal rights. Every situation is different, but some general actions can be helpful.

Prioritize Your Health & Medical Documentation

Your first priority should always be medical care. Accept treatment at the scene and consider going to a nearby hospital or clinic to be evaluated, even if you feel “okay” at first. Some serious injuries, including internal injuries and concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical documentation can also create a clear record that connects your injuries to the crash.

Involve Law Enforcement & Keep Records

Law enforcement should be called to any suspected drunk driving collision. Officers can document the scene, interview witnesses, and perform or request sobriety testing when they suspect impairment. The report they prepare, along with any citations or arrests, often becomes an important part of an injury claim. If you are able, keep track of the report number and the agency that responded.

Gather Evidence When It Is Safe

If it is safe, gather basic information before you leave the scene. This can include the other driver’s name and insurance details, license plate numbers, and photographs of the vehicles and visible injuries. If you are transported for emergency care, a family member or friend may be able to return later to take photos or check for cameras that might have captured the collision.

Be Careful With Insurance Communications

Many people get calls from insurance adjusters within days of a crash. Be cautious about giving recorded statements or signing any forms before you have had a chance to speak with an attorney. Early offers may not reflect the full extent of your injuries or future needs. Reaching out to a lawyer soon after the incident can help ensure that important evidence is preserved and that you understand your options before making decisions.

Who May Be Liable After a Drunk Driving Crash

Most people assume that liability in a drunk driving case begins and ends with the impaired driver. While that driver is typically the primary party at fault, there can be additional sources of responsibility and insurance coverage. Identifying all potential defendants is an important part of building a strong civil claim.

The Impaired Driver & Their Insurance

The drunk driver’s own auto insurance is often the first place we look for coverage. Evidence that the driver was impaired, such as breath or blood test results, witness statements, and the officer’s observations, can be powerful when we argue that the driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Even when criminal charges are still pending, we can begin evaluating the civil aspects of the case.

Employers & Commercial Policies

In some situations, the driver may have been working at the time of the crash. For example, a delivery driver or someone using a company vehicle might be acting within the scope of employment. In those cases, the employer’s insurance policy might also come into play, depending on the facts and applicable Louisiana law. Our attorneys carefully review the circumstances to determine whether an employer or another business should be named in the civil claim.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

There may also be uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy or on a household member’s policy. This type of coverage can provide an additional source of recovery when the drunk driver’s insurance limits are not enough to fully address your losses. Policy language and coverage rules can be complex, so we evaluate each situation individually and explain what may apply in your case.

Laws regarding the responsibility of bars or restaurants that serve alcohol are limited in Louisiana compared to some other states. Even so, we remain alert to any facts that suggest another party may have played a role, and we base our recommendations on the specific evidence we uncover.

Common Injuries & Losses in Alcohol-Related Crashes

Crashes caused by drunk drivers often occur at higher speeds or in especially dangerous situations, such as head-on collisions or severe rear-end impacts. As a result, the injuries can be severe and life-changing. Understanding how these injuries affect you day to day is essential when we work to measure the full value of a case.

Serious Physical Injuries

Physical harms from an alcohol-related collision can range from broken bones and deep lacerations to spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Some clients face surgeries, hospitalization, or long stays in rehabilitation facilities. Others may suffer injuries that are not immediately visible but cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or cognitive challenges that interfere with work and family life.

Emotional & Psychological Impact

The impact is not only physical. Many people experience emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress symptoms, especially when the crash was violent or a loved one was also injured. These effects can make it harder to return to driving, to work, or to normal routines, and they are part of the overall loss that a civil claim can address.

Financial Strain & Legal Damages

Financially, drunk driving crashes can create a cascade of problems. Medical bills arrive at the same time income is reduced or cut off due to missed work. Future medical care, therapies, and medications may be necessary for months or years. In wrongful death cases, families also face funeral expenses and the loss of income and support they depended on.

In an injury claim, we typically look at several categories of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. In a wrongful death claim, surviving family members may pursue damages related to their financial and emotional losses. Our firm uses medical records, employer information, and your own account of how life has changed to build a detailed picture of what the drunk driving crash has truly cost you.

Our Client-Focused Approach To Drunk Driving Cases

Choosing a law firm is not only about legal knowledge. It is about who you are trusting to stand beside you and your family throughout a difficult period. At Guerriero & Guerriero, our client-focused approach has grown out of our identity as a fourth-generation, family-owned firm rooted in Monroe.

What To Expect When You Contact Us

When you contact us, the first step is usually a conversation with a member of our team where we listen to what happened and what you are going through. We ask questions to understand your injuries, your medical care to date, and the insurance information involved. During this meeting, which can be held in our office or by phone or video when appropriate, we explain the basic legal options in clear, everyday language.

Communication, Care & Regular Updates

If we move forward together, we handle communication with insurance companies and defense lawyers so you can focus on your health. We keep you updated on important developments and encourage you to reach out when new questions arise. Our clients tell us that being able to speak with someone who knows their case and cares about their situation helps reduce stress during the process.

Contingency Fees & Accessible Representation

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees out of pocket as the case moves forward. Our fee is taken from any settlement or verdict that we obtain, and we go over these details carefully before you make any decisions. This structure allows many injured people to access experienced representation without the strain of hourly billing.

From investigation through negotiation and, when necessary, litigation, we prepare each case with attention to detail. Our goal is to position your claim as strongly as we can, whether that leads to a fair settlement or requires presenting your story in a courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Lawyer if the Other Driver Was Clearly Drunk?

Even when it seems obvious that the other driver was impaired, having an attorney can still be very important. The criminal case focuses on whether the driver violated the law, but it does not automatically provide compensation for your medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering. A civil claim requires proof of your injuries, your losses, and the connection between those harms and the drunk driving crash.

Our team reviews the evidence from both the criminal and civil sides, including police reports, test results, and witness statements, and then works to build a clear claim for compensation. Insurance companies may still try to dispute the extent of your injuries or argue about responsibility, even in drunk driving situations. Having a lawyer on your side helps level the playing field and gives you someone focused solely on your interests.

How Will Your Team Handle the Insurance Company for Me?

Once we represent you in a drunk driving injury case, we take over communication with the insurance companies involved. This typically includes notifying insurers of our representation, collecting policy information, and directing adjusters to speak with us instead of contacting you directly about the details of the crash. That way, you are not put on the spot to answer complex questions or pressured into quick decisions while you are still recovering.

We gather medical records, employment information, and other documentation to support your claim, and we use that material to evaluate any offers the insurer makes. When an offer does not reflect the full impact of your injuries and losses, we explain why and continue negotiating, with your input. You always decide whether to accept a settlement, and we provide guidance based on our experience handling injury claims.

What Does It Cost to Hire Your Firm for a Drunk Driving Case?

We handle drunk driving injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay attorney fees upfront for us to begin working on your case. Instead, our fee is collected from any settlement or verdict we obtain for you.

During your free consultation, we explain the fee agreement in detail, including how costs are handled and how the fee is calculated. If there is no recovery, you do not owe an attorney fee. Our goal is to make high-quality legal representation accessible to injured people and families who are already dealing with significant financial strain.

How Long Will My Drunk Driving Accident Case Take?

The time it takes to resolve a drunk driving injury case can vary, and it depends on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, how long it takes for you to reach a stable point in your medical treatment, the amount of insurance coverage available, and whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer without a lawsuit.

Some claims can be resolved in a matter of months once medical treatment has progressed and the evidence is clear. Others, especially those involving serious or permanent injuries, may take longer and sometimes require filing a lawsuit in the appropriate court. We discuss timing with you from the beginning and provide updates as your case moves forward so you are not left wondering what is happening.

Can You Help My Family if a Loved One Was Killed by a Drunk Driver?

Our firm represents families after fatal drunk driving crashes, and we understand how devastating these situations are. In Louisiana, certain family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim and a related survival action, which seek compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the suffering experienced before death. These are deeply personal cases, and we approach them with care and respect.

When you contact us after a loss, we take time to listen and to explain what types of claims may be available based on your relationship to your loved one and the specific facts of the crash. We handle communication with insurers and other parties so your family can focus on grieving and supporting one another. Throughout the process, we work to pursue accountability from those who caused the harm.

Will I Have to Go to Court for My Case?

Many drunk driving injury cases resolve through settlement without the need for a full trial. In those situations, you may not have to appear in court at all. However, if the insurance company will not agree to a fair resolution, filing a lawsuit in a court that handles civil injury cases can become necessary.

If your case does move into litigation, we prepare you for what to expect at each step. This can include answering questions under oath, attending hearings, and, in some situations, testifying at trial. Our attorneys guide you through the process so you are not facing it alone.

How Soon Should I Contact an Attorney After a Drunk Driving Crash?

It is generally a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as you are able after a drunk driving collision. Early involvement allows us to help preserve important evidence, such as scene photographs, witness information, and records related to the driver’s impairment. It also helps ensure that you receive guidance before speaking at length with insurance adjusters or signing any documents.

Louisiana law sets deadlines for filing injury and wrongful death claims, and missing those deadlines can impact your rights. When you contact our firm, we review the timing related to your specific situation and explain what steps are needed to protect your claim. Even if some time has passed, it can still be worthwhile to call and learn about your options.

Talk With Our Team About Your Drunk Driving Accident Case

After a drunk driving crash, you deserve clear answers and strong support from a legal team that knows this community. At Guerriero & Guerriero, our attorneys draw on more than a century of combined personal injury experience and a four-generation legacy in Monroe to help injured people and families pursue justice and fair compensation. We work to shoulder the legal and insurance burdens so you can focus on your health and on your family.

If you are looking for a drunk driving accident attorney Monroe residents can turn to for guidance, we invite you to reach out. Your consultation with our firm is free, and there are no attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. We are ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide on the next steps.

Call (318) 600-0000 or request a free consultation. No pressure, just straightforward legal guidance about your options.